Morgan State drops its football season opener at Army, 28-12

WEST POINT, New York  --  In just his second start as Army's quarterback, junior Angel Santiago rushed for 116 yards, passed for 101 yards and accounted for all four touchdowns in the Black Knights' 28-12 win over Morgan State Friday night before 24,245 at Michie Stadium.

Santiago, a prep star from San Bernadino, Calif., rushed for three touchdowns and passed for another.

The 5-11, 188-pound signal-caller was the third-string quarterback in 2011 and 2012, carrying the ball just 53 times in two seasons. A.J. Schurr was in line to replace four-year starter Trent Steelman as the next quarterback for the Black Knights, but a good spring campaign vaulted Santiago ahead of him.

While Steelman was the focus of Army's intricate triple offense that paced the county in rushing yardage in 2011 and 2012, Santiago provides coach Rich Ellerson with a pocket passer capable of throwing the long ball.

Only twice did Army pass for over 100 yards in a game in 2012.

Against Morgan State, Santiago was ...

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Jackson State Sonic Boom of the South at Tulane 8/29/13

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Bulldog buzz: Alabama A&M at Grambling

Alabama A&M vs. Grambling

WHAT: Alabama A&M at Grambling State
WHEN: 6 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Eddie Robinson Stadium, Grambling, La.
LINE: N/A

THIS GAME WILL DETERMINE: Which team will get a head-start in the Southwest Athletic Conference race, though A&M and Grambling are in opposite divisions of the SWAC. Grambling is trying to bounce back from a winless conference record in 2012, after having won the league title over A&M in 2011.The early-season meeting will be a stern test for both teams, which have numerous questions marks, but the loser will have time to recover and still contend for the title.

THREE THINGS TO LOOK FOR
1. Defensive unpredictability. Grambling State has a new coordinator in former NFL linebacker Dennis "Dirt" Winston, who was at Pine Bluff last season. Head coach Doug Williams has been coy about what scheme - or schemes - Winston will employ and it's a mystery to A&M as well.
2. Alabama A&M offensive mistakes. The Bulldogs have a new quarterback in Brandon Wells, a new tailback and four new starters on the offensive line. It is bound to make mistakes, especially as it can't game-plan as effectively against Grambling's defense. How efficiently and smoothly Wells and the offense shrug off plays that have negative yardage or have major mistakes - like a golfer forgetting how he three-putted before going onto the next tee - will determine much of A&M's early success this year.

CONTINUE READING

Doug Williams' return as Grambling coach prompted by loyalty -- and by family (Mark McCarter column)

GRAMBLING, Louisiana - There are a couple of simple reasons why Doug Williams will be on the Grambling State sideline Saturday night, beginning his ninth season as its head coach - or the third season in Doug Williams Coaching Career 2.0, as it were.

"Love. Loyalty," Williams says.

Then he adds, "I am Grambling."

That's not a pretentious statement. That's just how deep in his soul this historic university and football program runs.

Of course, to many, Doug Williams IS Grambling, almost as much as coach Eddie Robinson, the legend whose name adorns the football stadium and whose memory remains cherished and deified. Williams played quarterback at Grambling, then went to the National Football League. He was the history making Washington Redskins' QB in 1987, the first black starting quarterback to start a Super Bowl.

The night before the game, his roommate was Anthony Jones.

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Alabama State coach Reggie Barlow discusses season opener against Jacksonville State

MONTGOMERY, Alabama  -- Alabama State faces Jacksonville State in its season and home opener Saturday at 5 p.m.

 

It'll be the first career start for Hornets quarterback third-year junior Daniel Duhart and another shot for ASU (7-4) to capture its first win in the its first victory its brand new, $62-million stadium after Division II Tuskegee defeated the Hornets in the 89th Annual Turkey Day Classic last season. 

 

Here what coach Reggie Barlow had to say about ...

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MEAC SWAC Challenge: Who is In Shape to Win?

ORLANDO, Florida  --  Once upon a time there was a football team that literally caught more cramps during the game than they did passes. In fact, the quarterback cramped so badly fans thought he was experiencing a convulsion.

At the beginning of fall camp coaches are hoping for hot weather. The premise is that teams in the south generally have an advantage over other teams because they consistently practice in the heat and play in the heat. Building stamina under those conditions should payoff in the final quarter. With all of the rain in Tallahassee this summer the heat may be more of an advantage for Mississippi Valley State except that the forecasters predict a 30% chance of rain in Orlando on Sunday.

“Where’s the heat man?”

Should it rain the game could turn into a defensive battle much like the one between Southern and Mississippi Valley State last year. In that game MVSU depended on the run and a stubborn defense to shock Southern and take a win. It wasn’t the running back alone though that made the difference, it was the offensive line. Keep in mind that Southern beat FAMU last year.

CONTINUE READING

Ex-Westover star Greene in the mix in ASU Rams backfield

ALBANY, Georgia — In his first stint as offensive coordinator at Albany State from 2009-10, Steve Smith led two different quarterbacks to career years and conference Player of the Year honors.

 

2013, however, might be the year of the running backs.

 

Smith was reluctant to name a starter before practice Tuesday, but he did say that a group of rushers will get significant carries this season, including freshman Dalviness Greene, a Westover grad and former Herald Dynamite Dozen selection who started during Saturday’s intrasquad scrimmage.

 

Greene, who is fighting for playing time with senior Kareem Hess, junior Adrian Alexander and Valdosta State transfer Phillip Moore, caught the eyes of head coach Mike White with his performance in the scrimmage.

 

“He had a couple of runs where he looked pretty good,” White said. “I saw a rushing attack (Saturday) that was really physical.”

 

CONTINUE READING

Lincoln U of Missouri & CFL Legend Leo Lewis Passes Away

Leo Lewis (1953)
 (Lincoln University Athletic Archives)

JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri  --  Legendary Lincoln running back Leo Lewis, who helped the Blue Tigers win 27 games and post back-to-back undefeated seasons in the early 1950's, passed away on Friday (Aug. 30).

Lewis, who owns four of Lincoln's top six single-season rushing marks, carried the ball 623 times for 4,457 yards and 64 touchdowns during his four-year LU career, with all three of those marks still standing as program records. Nicknamed "The Lincoln Locomotive," Lewis played for Lincoln from 1951-1954, rushing for over 1,100 yards three times and finishing with 384 career points. Lewis scored four touchdowns in a game on four occasions, making him the only Blue Tiger to ever accomplish that feat multiple times, and set a program record with 22 touchdowns in the 1953 campaign.

From 1951-1954, Lincoln posted four consecutive winning seasons, including posting identical 8-0-1 records during the 1952 and 1953 campaigns. In 1952, Lincoln outscored opponents, 267-74, and finished the year ranked No. 2 in the country by the Pittsburgh Courier. The Blue Tigers had similar success in 1953, outscoring opponents by a total of 266-67 en route to a second-straight unbeaten season. This success was due in large part to the unstoppable running ability of Lewis, who broke free for 1,239 yards in 1952 and 1,230 yards in 1953. Those marks remain the top-two ever by an LU back, and both came in nine-game seasons.

Lewis began his LU career in 1951, rushing for 1,164 yards and helping to create one of the greatest turn-arounds in program history. After a 1-7 in 1950 in which Lincoln scored just 52 points, the Blue Tigers, on the strength of Lewis' running, exploded for 290 points in 1951 while going 7-2. Lewis later closed his prolific career in 1954, rushing for 824 yards in an eight-game season that the Blue Tigers finished with a 4-3-1 record.

The holder of nearly every major Lincoln rushing record, Lewis holds the single season mark for yards per carry (5.9, 1952) and the record for yards in a single game (245). Lewis joins Lemar Parrish as the only two Lincoln football players to have their jerseys retired, as Lewis' No. 30 uniform was retired by the athletic department in 2000.

Lewis earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1955 and immediately went on to play for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League until 1965. He later returned to Lincoln to serve as the team's head football coach from 1973-1975, leading the Blue Tigers to 12 victories.

Lewis also served as the head golf coach and the head women's basketball coach at LU and, at one point, served as the school's interim athletic director. Lewis became the most successful women's basketball coach in Blue Tiger history, leading Lincoln to six double-digit win seasons in the early 1980s including a program-best 15 wins in 1984-85. Lewis finished his coaching career in 1993 with 102 career victories.

Lewis was inducted into the Lincoln Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008. This October, he will be joined by many of his teammates, as the 1952 and 1953 Lincoln football teams will also be enshrined in the hall of fame.

By Dan Carr, Assistant AD for Media Relations
COURTESY LINCOLN UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Leo Lewis, Athlete/Football Inducted 2005 (Reprint)


"The Great" Leo Lewis
The Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame &
Museum Inductee (2005)
 

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, Canada -- Of the thousands of men who have carried the ball in the Canadian Football League, only five had run for more yards than the great Leo Lewis at the time of his induction.  Even though his career ended nearly forty years ago, the “Lincoln Locomotive” still ranked sixth all time in CFL rushing with 8,861 yards.  His astonishing 6.6 yards per carry was the best ever among CFL backs.

Born in Des Moines, Iowa, he moved with his family to St. Paul as an infant.  He played his college football at the University of Lincoln, in Jefferson City, Missouri before coming to Canada in 1955 and making himself into a legend.  Yet for all his accomplishments he retained his modesty.

“Sixth all time?” he said with genuine surprise.  “I thought I’d be about twenty something by now.”

Even in his days as a player Lewis was less concerned with his own numbers than in the big picture.

“I wasn’t too interested in individual glory.  I was more interested in team glory.  If what I did helped us win then it was important.  If I had a great game and we lost it (the individual glory) wasn’t important to me.”

Leo Lewis joined the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 1955.  After missing the ’56 season with an ankle injury, he embarked on a nine-year journey through CFL defences.  By the time he was through, he ranked third all time in rushing yardage and when he retired was the League’s all time leader in kickoff return yardage.  He stood fourth on that list with a stunning 29.1 yard average per return.  He also knew how to find the end zone, scoring seventy-five career touchdowns.

A six-time Western All Star, he was named to the All Canadian All Star team in 1962.  Not surprisingly, he receives the highest praise from those who knew him best.

“He was a quarterback’s best friend” says former Blue Bomber great Ken Ploen.  “It didn’t matter what you asked him to do he’d do it to the best of his ability.  He was there all the time.  He never complained.  He was a true professional.”

Lewis was perhaps the most exciting player of his time; dashing and darting, running outside and cutting back in.

“He was the best football player we ever had” according to veteran sports writer Jack Matheson.  “I liked everything Leo did.”

After a knee injury finished his career in 1966, Lewis returned to the University of Lincoln where he spent more than thirty years, coaching and teaching.

“I really enjoyed Winnipeg.  I enjoyed the people.  They made me feel like I was home.”                 

Leo Lewis helped to create one of the CFL’s great dynasties as the Bombers captured four Grey Cups in a five-year span. He is a member of the Canadian Football Hall of Fame and the U. S. Collegiate Hall of Fame, and was selected as one of the top 20 All-Time Blue Bombers in 2005.


COURTESY THE MANITOBA SPORTS HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM

The Talk of the FCS: Towson football team basks in upset win over UConn

TOWSON, Maryland  --  When he drove onto campus Friday, the day after his team's upset of Connecticut, Towson football coach Rob Ambrose found the place crawling with reporters and television cameras.

"I thought, 'No way these news trucks are here because we won last night,'" Ambrose said.

No, the media sought word of Towson's cheerleader squad, which has been suspended for the year for alleged hazing. But that news took none of the shine off the Tigers' 33-18 victory over UConn, the school's first defeat of a Division I school in eight tries.

"A lot of guys came here sold on the concept of making history," said Ambrose, Towson's fifth-year coach. "There's a lot here that hasn't been done. Well, this is the ultimate paycheck for them. Writing history is fun."

CONTINUE READING
 

LOOKING AHEAD ON TOWSON's SCHEDULE...
The MEAC has two opportunities to "Shock the World" with the FBS giant killer Tigers.  Can the Hornets and Eagles pull off the upset?  It's possible!

Sat., Sept. 7, Holy Cross AWAY, Worchester, Mass., 1:00 p.m.
Sat., Sept. 14, Delaware State, HOME, Minnegan Field at Johnny Unitas Stadium, 7:30 p.m.
Sat., Sept. 21, North Carolina Central, AWAY, Durham, N.C., 2:00 pm

(beepbeep)

Lincoln Blue Tigers attempts improvement in tough MIAA

JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri  -- Mike Jones and the Lincoln Blue Tigers face an uphill battle. 

The challenge consists of turning around a long-struggling football program in the most unforgiving football conference in NCAA Division II — the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association.

Often referred to as the SEC of Division II, the comparison isn’t all that far off. While the MIAA can’t match the SEC’s seven national titles in a row, it does boast an impressive resume — seven championship-game appearances in the past nine years, including two titles (Pittsburg State in 2011 and Northwest Missouri State in 2009). Three MIAA teams are ranked in the national preseason poll, including two in the top six, and three more are receiving votes.

Lincoln, on the other hand, has gone 1-10 in both of the past two seasons, winning just one conference game in that span and hasn’t had a winning season since 1972.

So uphill battle might be putting it lightly.

“It’s a tough challenge,” Jones said. “We’re playing catch-up, we’ve been playing catch-up. I was talking to a coach last year who said, ‘Coach, you’re doing a good job.’ That’s fine, but when everybody’s starting on the goal line and going to the other goal line, but we’re at the 50 and you’re at the other goal line, we’re still a long way from you. We’re a little closer to the goal line, but we still have a lot of work to do.

“We still have to change some philosophies and mentalities on the team, but it’s getting in the right direction.”

CONTINUE READING

TSU to Open Season Versus Bethune-Cookman in JMC

GAME TIME: SUNDAY, SEPT. 1, 8:00 PM
LIVE BROADCAST: ESPN3

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  -- On Sunday, Big Blue takes on Bethune-Cookman for the 15th annual John Merritt Classic at 7 p.m. at LP Field.

 

The Tigers return 18 starters from last year’s 8-3 team including 11 on the defensive side of the ball.

 

However, the team’s biggest question mark will be at quarterback where freshman Ronald Butler will make his first start of his career. Butler won the job this fall when he beat out senior Holt Claiborne and JUCO transfer Lamar McKnight.

 

The good news for Butler is that he will have the luxury of throwing to junior tight end A.C. Leonard who is a preseason All-American by a handful of publications. Last year, Leonard led all OVC tight ends and underclassmen in receiving yards (733). He also hauled in six touchdown passes as a sophomore.

 

The squad will also break in a new starting running back Trabis Ward left the program at the conclusion of last season. Ward lead the conference in rushing attempts (309) yards (1,422) and touchdowns (15) in 2012. Matching Ward’s production might be difficult for one player to do, so the team will likely turn to both Telvin Hooks and Adam Davenport to carry the load. Hooks rushed 75 times last year for 425 yards for an astounding 5.7 yards per carry average. 2013 will be Davenport’s first year at Tennessee State after transferring from the Naval Academy.

 

On defense, the Tennessee State will return all 11 starters from a defensive squad that led the OVC in total defense in 2012 (361 y/pg). Second Team All-OVC selection Nick Thrasher will once again captain the defense from the middle linebacker position, a year removed from leading the squad with 105 stops and 9.0 tackles for loss.

 

The secondary is highlighted by First Team All-OVC cornerback Stephen Godbolt III and Second Team selection safety Daniel Fitzpatrick who combined for 106 tackles and seven interceptions- six by Godbolt. Even with retuning all 11 starters, the Tigers’ defense still only has seven seniors listed on the two-deep depth chart.

 

The Tigers’ opponent in the JMC will be the defending MEAC Champions and preseason No. 1 ranked HBCU team, Bethune-Cookman. The Wildcats finished 9-3 last season including a 21-14 loss to TSU in Daytona Beach.

 

B-CU returns 13 starters from 2012 including its leading rusher, passer, receiver and tackler.

 

Isidore Jackson will enter his senior season as the Wildcat’s go-to-guy on the ground, a year removed from rushing for 1,069 yards on 191 attempts for a 5.6 average. Jackson was also the leader in all-purpose yards (1,217) and scoring (72 points).

 

Handing Jackson the ball will be junior Quentin Williams who rushed for 635 yards, himself, in B-CU’s spread offense. Williams’s main duty last season was to throw the ball and he performed well, tossing 11 scores compared to just two interceptions. Eddie Poole was on the receiving end on most of Williams’s passes, leading the team in receptions (32), yards (439), and touchdowns (5).

 

On defense, Jarkevis Fields will return after compiling 103 tackles from the linebacker position a year ago.

 

TSU will hope to improve to 11-4 in JMC games and 7-1 against B-CU when the teams kick off the 2013 season at 7 p.m.

 

    TSU Football Game Notes: B-CU

 

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

College football preview: Morgan State at Army

Morgan State (0-0) @ Army (0-0)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Site: Mitchie Stadium, West Point, N.Y.
Series: First meeting

What's at stake: Under coach Donald Hill-Eley, Morgan State is 14-20 against nonconference opponents, but 6-6 in season openers. But the Bears finished last season on a dubious six-game losing streak during which they were outscored, 154-93. That ending left a bad taste in the mouths of the players and coaches, but this contest marks the beginning of four consecutive games away from Hughes Stadium and eight of 12 contests on the road. Morgan State is expected to unveil its spread attack offense against Army, which attempts to run as many as six players into open field and force the defense to account for each player. That puts the onus on junior quarterbacks Seth Higgins (1,111 yards and nine touchdowns) and Robert Council (1,115 yards and five touchdowns, 302 rushing yards and three touchdowns) to run the offense and take advantage of opportunities. The Black Knights are trying to bounce back from back-to-back sub-.500 campaigns capped by a 2-10 record in 2012.

Key matchup: Despite Army's troubles a year ago, the offense boasted the nation's most productive run unit, averaging 369.8 yards. Army could be just as effective thanks to the return of senior tailback Raymond Maples (1,215 yards in 2012, which is the fifth-highest single-season mark in school history), junior fullback Larry Dixon (839 yards), and a wealth of depth. That figures to be a huge challenge for a Morgan State defense that surrendered an average of 177.7 yards and 21 rushing touchdowns last year. Redshirt sophomore nose tackle Demarco Bisbee registered 7½ tackles for loss and 3½ sacks last fall.

CONTINUE READING

Southern ready for Dawson Odums’ first season opener

LIVE INTERNET BROADCAST: TONIGHT, ESPN3, 8:30 pm ET

HOUSTON, Texas  --  At the request of coach Dawson Odums, members of the Southern football squad attended services at New Hope Baptist Church this Sunday.

“They invited us to attend,” Odums said. “We are a community football team, and we want the community to know that they can be a part of what’s going on here. We loved being there, and I thank the church for having our football team there.”

While not considered mandatory, the majority of the team attended the service.

“It was a relaxed environment,” quarterback Dray Joseph said. “It was a team-bonding experience. It was a terrific experience for the team.”

Could it be the first of many in Odums’ first full season as head coach?

As Friday night’s game at Houston arrives, Odums gets his first chance to show what he can do after having the interim tag removed from his title this past winter, when he signed a two-year contract.

But this is not the first time in Odums’ career that he has gone from interim to head coach.

CONTINUE READING

Army Hosts Morgan State In 2013 Debut

WEST POINT, New York  -- Army opens its 124th season of competition Friday night against the Morgan State Bears. Kickoff is set for 7:06 p.m. and will be broadcast live by CBS Sports Network.

It is the first time the two teams have met on the football field. The Black Knights are starting a season at home for the first time since facing Temple in 2008. That game was played on a Friday night as well, marking the earliest game in Army football history (Aug. 29). Tonight’s contest is just the second time Army has taken the field prior to September.

The Black Knights return 58 letterwinners from last season, including 14 starters. The Army offense, coming off Academy-record performances in both rushing yards and total offense, will have someone other than Trent Steelman under center in the season opener for the first time since 2008. Junior Angel Santiago will take the first snap, but head coach Rich Ellerson has emphasized that both Santiago and sophomore A.J. Schurr could see action against the Bears.
 
No matter who is under center, the Black Knights’ rushing game should remain formidable. Army has led the nation in rushing the last two seasons and returns six of its top eight rushers from 2012. Senior Raymond Maples will be on top of opponents’ scouting reports this season. Maples has rushed for more than 1,000 yards in each of the last two seasons, including 1,215 during his junior season. Junior fullback Larry Dixon is also back after posting 839 yards and six touchdowns. Junior Terry Baggett is healthy after missing most of last season with a knee injury. Baggett was averaging nearly nine yards per carry on 16 attempts before his injury.
 
Defensively, Army returns three of its top five tacklers, including junior Geoffery Bacon. Bacon racked up 136 tackles last season, the ninth-highest total in Academy history. Bacon produced perhaps the biggest story of the offseason with his move from mike linebacker to free safety. He will make his first start at his new position tonight against the Bears. Sophomore Alex Meier moved to the middle after starting most of last season at rover. Junior Robert Kough is back anchoring the defensive line after recording 9.5 tackles for loss as a yearling.

ARMY IN SEASON OPENERS
Army owns a sterling 93-27-3 record in its previous 123 season-opening games (.768). The Black Knights’ have split their last four season openers after suffering a 12-year drought from 1997-2008. Army started 0-1 in 12 straight seasons from 1997-2008. Army head coach Rich Ellerson is 6-7 in season openers in his previous 13 years as a head coach.

ARMY VERSUS THE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SUBDIVISON
Since the Division I ranks split in 1978, the Black Knights have played 63 games against the Football Championship Subdivision, accumulating a 51-11-1 record. Lafayette has been Army’s most common FCS opponent. The two teams have played 12 times since 1978 with Army winning 11 times. Army played at least one game against an FCS school from 1978-97. The schedule was solely FBS squads from 1999-2001 before the 2002 team opened against Holy Cross. The Morgan State game will mark the ninth consecutive year the Black Knights have played an FCS squad.

ARMY OFFENSE VS. MORGAN STATE DEFENSE
The Black Knights are the two-time defending national rushing champions. It is the first time since 1944 and 1945 that Army has led the country in rushing in consecutive seasons. In 2012, the Black Knights averaged 369.8 yards per game which not only paced the nation, but also represented an Academy record. Army also broke school records for total rushing yards (4,438), total offense (5,235) and first downs (283). With six of top eight rushers returning, including two-time 1,000-yard man Raymond Maples, the 2013 campaign should not see much decline in production.
 
Junior Angel Santiago and sophomore A.J. Schurr waged a competition for the starting quarterback position throughout spring practice and preseason camp. While Schurr exited the spring with a slight edge, Santiago won the job and will take the first snap tonight. Santiago played in two games as a backup to Trent Steelman in 2012 and played in four games as a plebe. He has one career start, rushing 30 times for 72 yards against Rutgers in 2011. Schurr also gained experience last season, making five appearances in relief. He led the team with two touchdown passes.
 
Joining the duo in the backfield will be a bevy of proven players that should ease some of the pressure on the quarterback. It starts with Maples who enters his final season already ranked sixth on Army’s career rushing list with 2,489 yards. Tonight’s game marks the start of his quest to become only the second Army player to ever rush for 1,000 yards three times during their career (Mike Mayweather). Junior Larry Dixon is back for his third season as the Black Knights’ starting fullback. Dixon came up just shy of the 1,000-yard mark last season, running for 839 yards in 11 games. He has averaged better than 6.0 yards per carry for his career. Junior Terry Baggett will line up opposite Maples. In his first two seasons, Baggett has shown flashes of brilliance, but has struggled to stay healthy. He recorded his first 100-yard game in the 2012 opener at San Diego State and averaged more than 9.0 yards per carry before his injury. The receiving corps is made up of a mix of returning veterans and exciting prospects. Junior Chevaughn Lawrence led the team last season with 21 catches for 357 yards. Plebe Xavier Moss, a speedster who had a productive 2012 season at USMAPS, is expected to start at the other wideout. Senior Patrick Laird returns as well after catching 11 passes for 125 yards and a score last season.
 
The offensive line is anchored by left tackle Michael Kime. Kime, who was voted a team captain by his teammates, started at right tackle 11 times last season before suffering a knee injury. Despite not participating in spring practice, Kime is back at full strength. Junior Ryan Powis is back for his third season as the starter at center, while junior Stephen Shumaker and senior Zach Reichert will start at the guard positions. Sophomore Justin Gilbert will make his first career start at right tackle.
 
Morgan State’s defense gave up 29.7 points per game last season. The unit is anchored by Chris Robinson who led the team with 13.5 tackles and 8.5 sacks. He ranked 11th and 12th in those categories, respectively, in all of FCS last season. Nose tackle Demarco Bisbee is the team’s leading returning tackler with 41 total stops. He also racked up 7.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. Bisbee and cornerback Joe Rankin were second-team preseason All-MEAC picks. Rankin tied for the MEAC lead with five interceptions.

MORGAN STATE OFFENSE VS. ARMY DEFENSE
The Morgan State offense scored 20.8 points and averaged 292.7 yards per game in 2012. The Bears return both quarterbacks that saw the majority of playing time last season. Junior Seth Higgins is slated to start. Higgins, who has been a regular under center since his freshman year, completed 42 of his 106 passes (.396) for 445 yards. Robert Council played in 11 outings last season, going 98-for-195 (.503) for 1,115 yards and five touchdowns. Council also ran for 302 yards on 80 attempts.
 
Redshirt freshman Lamont Brown is expected to make his career debut tonight. Brown will try to replace the production of last season’s leading rusher, Travis Davidson. Davidson ran for 958 yards and 12 touchdowns during his final season. Freshman Herb Walker will also see playing time in the backfield for the Bears. Andrew King returns to lead the Morgan State receiving group. King made 25 catches for 334 yards and a team-high two touchdowns in 2012.
(When Morgan State Has The Ball — continued)
 
The Bears’ massive offensive front will provide interesting match ups for Army’s smaller, quicker front seven. Morgan State’s projected starting offensive linemen average 328 pounds per man. The smallest weights in at 300 pounds, while center Clarence Swain is the biggest of the group at 360 pounds.
 
Army’s defense allowed 35.3 points and 427.3 yards per game last season. The use of several underclassmen in key spots during the past two seasons should start to pay dividends in 2013. The Black Knights’ top tackler from last season Geoffery Bacon returns, but will be in a different position. Bacon’s 136 stops move from mike linebacker to free safety. The coaches believe that the extra room will better utilize Bacon’s athleticism and make him an even more valuable member of the defense. Army’s defensive backfield has experienced a makeover. In addition to Bacon, the other three starters will also be starting at new positions. Strong safety Shaquille Tolbert did not see any action as a plebe in 2012, and shifted from cornerback to his new job during spring drills. On the corners, plebe Josh Jenkins and junior Hayden Pierce will man the field and boundary spots, respectively. Pierce has been a regular since his first season, but has played mostly strong safety. An injury to last year’s starter, Chris Carnegie, forced the move during preseason camp.
 
The defensive line boasts three experienced players. Junior Robert Kough, the most productive member of the group last season with 42 tackles and 9.5 tackles for loss, returns, as do nose tackles T.J. Atimalala. and Richard Glover. Atimalala started four times as a plebe, while Glover started six times. Junior Joe Drummond, whio played in 10 games last season, is slated to start at right end.
 
One of the biggest pieces of improving Army’s defense will be improving the pass rush. Sophomore Dalton Mendenhall will get the nod at the “quick” outside linebacker position, Army’s primary pass rush spot. Mendenhall played in all 12 games last season as a reserve and on special teams. The other outside linebacker position will be manned by James Kelly who forced his way into the lineup as a sophomore last season, making 14 tackles in 11 games. Senior co-captain Jarrett Mackey will also get plenty of playing time at the “whip” linebacker spot.
 
With Bacon now playing seven yards deeper than last year, the coaches have called on sophomore Alex Meier  to man the middle of Army’s double-eagle flex. Meier was Army’s third-leading tackler with 71 takedowns as a plebe last season, playing most at rover. He suffered a knee injury versus Navy, but has made a remarkable recovery to get ready for the 2013 campaign. Senior co-captain Thomas Holloway, who has experience at both rover and free safety, will get the nod at rover.

SPECIAL TEAMS BREAKDOWN
Army will rely on Daniel Grochowski to handle the placekicking and kickoff duties. Grochowski was the Black Knights’ primary placekicker for most of the season as a plebe, hitting 10 of his 16 field goal tries, including a 46-yarder. Sophomore Alex Tardieu will serve as the Black Knights’ punter. He did not see any action in 2012. Julian Crockett returns as the team’s primary kick returner after averaging 19.2 yards per attempt last season. Josh Jenkins or senior Scott Williams will return punts.

Morgan State will be breaking in a new kicker and new punter in redshirt freshman Chris Moller and junior Miguel Bernard, respectively.

Tickets for Friday's game are still available onlineclicking here, or by calling the Army Athletics Ticket Office at 1-877-TIX-ARMY.
by

COURTESY U.S. MILITARY ACADEMY AT WEST POINT AND GOARMYSPORTS.COM
  

WSSU team to beat in South

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina  -- The question for the CIAA South has a familiar ring: Can any team dethrone two-time defending champions Winston-Salem State?

The North certainly hasn’t been able to, and Shaw was the last South team to do so in 2010.

• Winston-Salem State. Every year coach Connell Maynor laments over what he lost the year before. And every season he reloads.

The Rams have a 35-4 record since returning to the conference four years ago. WSSU advanced all the way to the Division II championship game before losing to Valdosta State 35-7.

Gone is starting quarterback Kameron Smith, who broke a slew of passing records, and All-American center Markus Lawrence. But the team will be in capable hands with redshirt junior QB Anthony Carrothers (Independence High), who threw for 989 yards and 12 touchdowns against just four interceptions.

Running back stud Maurice Lewis (201 carries, 1,027 yards, 13 TDs) is back to take some of the pressure off Carrothers. The quarterback will need all the help he can get with the loss of WSSU’s top three wide receivers.

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The Skinny on Virginia Union football

Coach: Michael Bailey, 5th season, 19-21

2012: 5-5, 3-4 CIAA

Offense: The Panthers were fourth in the conference in rushing yards per game and first in average per rush, but Bailey believes he needs the run the ball more. VUU lost only two players from last season’s offense, but one was 1,000-yard rusher Jerrell Washington. With quarterback Kenneth Graham going into his sophomore season and his top three receivers returning, the Panthers could use the passing game to help alleviate the immediate need to find a replacement for Washington.

Defense: Graduation decimated a Panthers defense that finished third in the CIAA in points allowed (20.2). VUU lost eight starters from last season, but returns former University of Virginia transfer senior defensive back Devin Wallace, who was seventh on the team in tackles (46) last season. Junior Fritz Fenelon (46 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 3 sacks) will be key up front.

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Tulane Opens 2013 Campaign With 34-7 Win Over Jackson State

Junior QB Nick Montana (son of NFL Hall of Famer Joe
 Montana) debut at Tulane saw the transfer toss a pair of
 touchdown passes while completing 6-of-14 passes for
144 yards.
(Courtesy Tulane Athletics)

Final Stats |  Quotes |  Notes |  Photo Gallery 

NEW ORLEANS  --    During his weekly press conference on Tuesday in the James W. Wilson, Jr., Center, second year Tulane head football coach Curtis Johnson said his team would be taking on a "faceless opponent" in the season-opener as he wanted his team to focus on execution and coming away with the ultimate goal of a win no matter who his team was squaring off against.

On the sideline two days later in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, the faces on his sideline were all smiles when the final horn sounded as the Green Wave defeated Jackson State, 34-7, to open the campaign on a high note. Tulane's offense grounded out 158 rushing yards - including a 50-yard, two-touchdown performance by senior running back Orleans Darkwa - and a defense that forced six turnovers courtesy of four interceptions and a pair of fumble recoveries.

"The victory was outstanding tonight," Johnson said. "It's good to be 1-0. There is a lot to improve on. We'll get better as the season goes on. (The running game) was the first thing that we talked about last year at the end of the season. We have to establish the running game. I thought those guys did pretty well.

"When our defensive line puts pressure on the quarterback, (six turnovers) are the kinds of numbers you'll get. That was the same thing we did with (former New Orleans Saints safety Darren) Sharper. He ran about a 5.3 40 (yard dash), but he was just back there getting catches because we put a lot of heat on guys. That's exactly what we want to do."

Tulane's six takeaways and four interceptions were the most by a Green Wave team since forcing eight turnovers on the strength of five picks and two fumble recoveries at Army on Sept. 20, 2003. The offense's rushing effort, meanwhile, was the most by the team since rumbling for 185 yards at Hawai'i on Nov. 26, 2011, in that year's season finale. Thirteen of Tulane's 34 points came after Jackson State turnovers, and the Green Wave's 27-point margin of victory was the team's largest in a season opener since defeating The Citadel, 54-6, on Sept. 19, 1953, at old Tulane Stadium.

The Green Wave wasted little time jumping ahead as sophomore cornerback Lorenzo Doss intercepted a pass on the first drive of the game and Tulane took advantage seven plays later when senior preseason All-American kicker Cairo Santos nailed a 22-yard field goal to stake the home team to a 3-0 lead less than five minutes into the contest.

Following a Jackson State punt on the ensuing possession, the Green Wave got an 11-yard run by junior running back Rob Kelley, a 43-yard pass from junior quarterback Nick Montana to senior wide receiver Ryan Grant and consecutive five-yard runs by Darkwa, the second of which saw the native of Nashville, Tenn., cross the goal line to put Tulane ahead, 10-0.

Two plays later, senior linebacker Kyle Davis picked off a pass to set up a 34-yard Santos field goal and Tulane added a 14-yard scoring strike from Montana to junior wideout Justyn Shackleford with 5:41 to play in the second quarter to send the Green Wave into the locker room at the half with a 20-0 lead. Jackson State had chances to get on the scoreboard twice in the second quarter only to fumble twice inside the Tulane five-yard line and sophomore free safety Darion Monroe and junior strong safety Sam Scofield fell on the respective loose balls to send the Tigers away empty handed.

Senior cornerback Jordan Sullen posted the team's third interception of the game midway through the third quarter to set up a Darkwa one-yard touchdown plunge with 3:30 to play in the period, and Montana found redshirt-freshman wide receiver Devon Breaux from 11 yards out for a score with 9:38 to play in the game to account for Tulane's final tally.

Jackson State avoided the shutout on a nine-yard touchdown run by quarterback Evan Ingram with 4:34 left in regulation, and the Green Wave defense made sure the Tigers would get no closer as rookie cornerback Jarrod Franklin joined the interception parade with a pick of his own with under a minute to go.

Monroe led the team with nine tackles (6 solo, 3 assists) while senior nickelback Derrick Strozier followed with six (2 solo, 4 assists). Sophomore defensive end Royce LaFrance had 1.5 of Tulane's seven tackles for loss and senior defensive end Julius Warmsley posted the squad's lone sack. Grant led the Wave's aerial assault with three receptions for 82 yards.

JSU starting quarterback LaMontiez Ivy paced the Tigers with 133 yards on 9-of-17 passing, but both he and Ingram - who was 6-of-12 for 111 yards - tossed a pair of costly interceptions. Tommy Gooden led all players with 64 rushing yards on 20 carries while Zach Pendleton had a game-high 95 receiving yards on three grabs. John McNabb led the Jackson State defense with 11 stops (9 solo, 2 assists), including a pair of sacks to go with a forced fumble.

The Green Wave return to action on Saturday, Sept. 7, when they play host to South Alabama at 2:30 p.m. in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. For tickets to that game, as well as future Green Wave events, contact the Tulane Athletics Ticket Office. The Ticket Office is located on the first floor of the Wilson Center on Ben Weiner Drive, and tickets can be purchased in person, over the phone at 504-861-WAVE (9283) or via the Internet at www.TulaneGreenWave.com.

COURTESY TULANE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS 

Defense Dominates in Season-Opening Win: Western Illinois 42, Hampton 9

MACOMB, Illinois – Western Illinois could not have asked for a better performance from its defense in the football team’s 42-9 season-opening win over Hampton University on Thursday night. The Fighting Leathernecks forced nine turnovers (six interceptions/three fumbles), and scored on three of those turnovers as the program snapped a six-game losing streak dating back to last year.

The game also marked the debut of head coach Bob Nielson. The team scored the most points in three years, and did not commit a turnover on offense, while the defense recorded five-or-more takeaways for the first time since the opening round playoff win in 2010.

Western began the scoring when junior safety Jonathon Rollins intercepted a pass and put Western 1st-and-10 on the Hampton 40. The Leathernecks needed 10 plays to score a touchdown, Nikko Watson’s 1-yard run. Kevin Kintzel rushed in for the 2-point conversion midway through the first quarter.

Hampton (0-1) responded in the second quarter with a 21-yard TD pass from Jaylian Williamson to Antwon Chisholm. Their 2-point try failed. On the ensuing drive, Nathan Knuffman pinned Hampton on the two. On second down, Kintzel forced a fumble and senior Ryan Demming scooped up the loose ball and scored a 6-yard TD – the first of his collegiate career.

The Pirates took the opening kick of the second half and marched down inside the redzone. JUCO transfer Dallas Nichols quickly put his name in the Western record book as he picked off a pass on the three and raced 97 yards for a touchdown. It marked the longest interception return in Leatherneck history, and the eighth-longest in Missouri Valley Football Conference history.

Both teams traded punts, then Kintzel struck again. The junior linebacker picked off Brian Swain on the 12 and ran in for his first collegiate score making it 28-6.

Adam Brown’s 40-yard field goal with just under four minutes left provided the final margin.



Rollins set a career-high with two interceptions in the game, the first two of his career. Kintzel recorded his second career pick and his second career forced fumble. Demming recovered his third career fumble. Devon Butler and Nichols both had their first career interception, while for Davis it was the sixth of his career (now three away from 10th place all-time).

"Well, it's always great to win. Give credit to our kids. They've worked hard, they surely deserved to win the football game today. There were a lot of good things,” said head coach Bob Nielson. “As I've said all along, our defense is certainly ahead of where our offense is right now. I think they have a chance to be a very good unit and they certainly showed that today. Forcing turnovers is one of the things that we talked about as one of the keys to this game... the fact is that you need to win the turnover margin [early in the year]. We not only won it, we won it substantially today and as a result got the score separated, so that was one of the good things.”

Overall the defense recorded eight tackles for a loss as Demming recorded the unit’s lone sack. Nichols also had a fumble recovery on the night to go with his five tackles. Western allowed 247 total yards of offense, just 88 on the ground, while gaining 262 in the game.

Offensively, Watson registered his sixth career 100-yard game tallying 108 on 27 attempts. Norvell completed 14-of-24 passes for 84 yards.

True-freshman Lance Lenoir, Jr. had five catches for 29 yards. Knuffman averaged 36.4 yards on his seven punts, with a long of 54 yards and placing four inside the 20-yard line. Both of his field goal attempts were blocked (42 and 23 yards).

Williamson threw for 113 yards to lead Hampton, but all three Pirate quarterbacks threw two interceptions. Chisholm led the receivers with 56 yards. Carvin Johnson and Delbert Tyler had 11 tackles each, two of the four Pirates with at least 10 tackles.

According to Nielson, despite the lopsided score there is certainly room for improvement.

“Some things we've certainly identified that we need to continue to improve upon. I thought we showed a little bit of a spark at times offensively, but not nearly as consistently as we need to be. We made some good plays in the kicking game; we also had some bad plays in the kicking game and that's got to be shored up. I'm disappointed that with the amount of time we spent on the kicking game in the preseason that we didn't execute better in some of those areas,” said Nielson. “It's a great way to start the season with a win. Now, as I told them on the field, our job is to make week two a week where we make a quantum leap of improvement and there's certainly room to do that."

Western will play host to Quincy University on Saturday, September 7th. Kickoff at Hanson Field is scheduled for 1 p.m.

The Pirates will be back in action on Saturday, Sept. 7, when they head to Zable Stadium in Williamsburg, Va. to take on William & Mary at 7 p.m. For more information on Hampton University football, please call the Office of Sports Information at (757) 727-5811, or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.

Game Boxscore

GAME NOTES: The last time Western had at least five turnovers in a game was at Coastal Carolina in the 2010 road playoff win (4 INT/1 FR)… Western had not reached 40-plus points since putting 65 on MVFC-rival Illinois State in 2010… In all, 16 Leathernecks made their debut but only two were true-freshman (Lenoir, Jr. and Joey Borsellino)… Western finished tied for 10th nationally last year with 16 interceptions, now with six already to start the 2013 campaign… Watson recorded a 100-yard game for the third straight time to start a season, each of his three years as a Leatherneck… Thirteen of the team’s 15 pass receptions were by newcomers (2 by Salomon)… Temperature at kickoff was 90 degrees… Western won the time of possession battle, 30:37 to 29:23… Western was 6-of-17 on third down and converted 2-of-3 on fourth down. Hampton was 4-of-11 on third down… The Leathernecks also committed 10 penalties totaling 81 yards… The 42 points scored in a season-opener were the most since putting 45 up against Valparaiso in the 2010 opener. It was also just the third time scoring 40-plus in the opner since 1998.
 
COURTESY WESTERN ILLINOIS ATHLETICS
COURTESY HAMPTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

Spoken 4 Communications Game Preview -- NCCU vs. Duke

DURHAM, North Carolina --  Spoken 4 Communications "Every Child Deserves to Be Heard" previews the 2013 edition of the Bull City Gridiron Classic pitting NCCU against cross-town foe Duke. Kickoff is set for 4:00 p.m., but fans are encouraged to tune in at 3:30 p.m. as Chris Hooks (play-by-play), Joe Simmons (Color analyst), and Anthony Sharp (sideline reporter) break down the matchup between the two teams.

For more information about NCCU athletics, visit www.NCCUEaglePride.com or download the NCCU Sports Network app available in the App Store, Google Play and Amazon.

By Chris Hooks, Assistant Sports Information Director/Broadcast Media Coordinator
COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Former PVAMU Basketball Standout Signs Professional Contract

JOURDAN DEMUYNCH

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas  --  Former Prairie View A&M men's basketball standout Jourdan DeMuynck has moved on to the professional ranks after inking a contract with Keravnos Strovolou in the Republic of Cyprus.

DeMuynck is the projected starter at shooting guard for his team which plays in the league's top division (A).  He's joining a squad which advanced to the semifinal round of the 2013 Cypriot Play-Offs and finished 3-1 in the EuroChallenge last season.  A native of San Leandro, Calif., DeMuynck had an impressive career for the Panthers as he led them to the 2013 SWAC Tournament Finals while also earning All-SWAC Second Team and All-Tournament Honors.

DeMuynck's signing continues a tradition of Panther standouts earning professional opportunities overseas under head coach Byron Rimm II.  Since 2010, a total of five players have moved on to the professional ranks after completing their careers at Prairie View A&M.

"I'm proud of what Jourdan has accomplished," said Rimm.  "It shows if you put in hard work on-and-off the court, you can achieve your dreams."

COURTESY PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

SU Jaguars make last-minute tweaks for season-opener

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana  -- The Southern football team hit the practice fields for the final time Wednesday in making last-minute preparations before the season-opener Friday against Houston.

“The guys seemed to be really focused,” coach Dawson Odums said. “But you could see the nervous energy, and the guys are just ready to see a different colored jersey.”

Odums was looking for his team to be sharp Wednesday.

“We didn’t want to do too much today,” Odums said. “We wanted to keep the players fresh. We wanted to polish a few things up today.

“We wanted to see good tempo and just polish the little things up in preparation for the game, getting ready for Friday.”

Since the beginning of fall practice, Odums and his staff have preached a positive attitude to the players.

“We have to stay in the foxhole together,” Odums said. “We all have to be there for ...

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Jackson State invades the Superdome to face Tulane

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana  --  Jackson State is the first Little 7 member to open its season.

The Tigers travel to New Orleans for a Thursday night showdown against Tulane in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The 7 p.m. contest is the first-ever meeting between the two schools. Jackson State is led by defensive back Qua Cox, preseason SWAC defensive player of the year, and running back Tommy Gooden.

"I feel really good about this team," Tigers coach Rick Comegy said.

Tulane coach Curtis Johnson isn't overlooking the Tigers, who lost in the SWAC championship game last season.

"Everything is a challenge with us," Johnson said. "Jackson State, they're new. We haven't seen them. When you're playing against new opponents and you don't know them, you've got to be sure that your stuff is ready. On our stuff, we've got to be good at everything. You've got to know your assignments.
"We can't have a bunch of mentals. If we do that, it'll give us a chance to win."

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Alabama State football: Assistant Hendrick placed on administrative leave

MONTGOMERY, Alabama  -- Alabama State will enter its season opener with special teams duties split among several coaches after placing special teams coordinator John Hendrick on paid administrative leave.

Hendrick, the defensive ends coach and special teams coordinator for the Hornets, was placed on administrative leave for unspecified reasons Aug. 13. Head coach Reggie Barlow refused to go into specifics regarding Hendrick’s situation but left the door open for his return at the end of the 2013 season.

“Of course, you always think the world of all your coaches and respect them, but I think for us, I’m all about good chemistry and good vibes. And we ... had a situation where we had to not part ways ... but we just wanted to take a step back and look at our special teams area and give the other coaches some responsibility in that,” Barlow said. “Obviously, we’ve changed a bit here. But the foundation of what we believe in and how we operate is about the team and esprit de corps, working together in harmony. And if you can’t do that, then obviously you can’t work here.”

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Alabama A&M's Brandon Wells confident as college debut looms Saturday

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama - More bold than merely precocious as a recent middle-school graduate, Brandon Wells years ago approached the late Mac Thompson, then the football coach at Calera High School.

"I told my coach I wasn't going to play unless he tried me at quarterback," Wells recalled. "I always felt like I could do it. I like to be the one in command. I want to be the one with the ball in my hand. He let me try, and I was successful at it."

Thompson would later tease Wells that "if it wasn't for that tryout, I don't know where you'd be."



"I've always been a pretty outspoken guy," Wells said. "I really don't lack in confidence. If I felt like I can do something I'm going to try to do it. I felt like I could do it, and I actually could, and now we're here."

Where Wells is is days away from his first collegiate appearance. He'll be the Alabama A&M quarterback on Saturday when the Bulldogs open the season at Grambling State (6 p.m. CDT).

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Thorpe’s arrival fills VSU’s quarterback void

Former JMU and Varina star joins new VSU coach

ETTRICK, Virginia -- When quarterback LaMonta Green left the Virginia State football program, he left a void for new Trojans coach Latrell Scott. Green, who would have been a senior, played in four games last year before an injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season.

Green’s departure meant that there were no veteran quarterbacks on VSU’s roster heading into fall camp.

“It was an unfortunate situation because LaMonta had a very solid spring,” Scott said. “From practice one to practice 15, he grew up a whole bunch. I think he played well enough during the spring game to try to help us win.

“But when he left, we kind of looked at transfer situations and started to think what we could do because I really didn’t want to put Niko (Johnson, Hermitage) in that situation to have to play as a true freshman.”

One phone call from Justin Thorpe helped Scott solve the quarterback dilemma.

“He called us and said that he ‘wanted to be with you guys,’ ” said Scott. “Our main focus was for him to finish up at James Madison, do what he needed to do to graduate and do things the right way.

“I’ve known Justin since he was ...

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